Air Fryer Popcorn
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Learn how to make popcorn in the air fryer with no added oil, fat, or sugar! Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect quick and easy snack with plenty of flavor options!
Why I make popcorn in the air fryer
If there is a way to air fry something, I’d do it. I will admit I use my air fryer at least once a day. I often use it to crisp up some protein or veggies as part of my dinner. Recently, I’ve been using it to make one of my favorite snacks- Popcorn.
No longer is popcorn reserved for the stovetop or the microwave. You can enjoy piping-hot, fresh popcorn straight from the air fryer. Here’s why this air fryer popcorn recipe will be a game-changer-
- Ready in under 10 minutes. From prep to serving bowl, this popcorn takes less than 10 minutes to make.
- Healthier than microwaving. There is no butter or oil needed, and much better than using a microwave to cook the kernels.
- Easy to customize. Popcorn is a blank canvas, to keep it simple with some salt and butter, or be creative with a ton of flavor ideas listed below.
- No mess or clean up required. Because I’m adding a layer of tinfoil to the base of the air fryer, there is NO mess afterward.
When those post-dinner snack cravings hit, or you want something to enjoy while you watch a movie, switch on the air fryer and cook up some popcorn!
Key Ingredients
- Popcorn kernels. Easy to find in your local supermarket.
- Salt. To toss through the popcorn once it has been cooked.
- Flavorings. Optional, but there are tons of flavor options depending on your taste.
How to cook popcorn in the air fryer
Start by lining the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil, leaving about half an inch of overlap around the sides. Next, add the popcorn kernels into it, ensuring they are in a single layer.
Now, place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Once the timer goes off, keep the air fryer basket in place for 20-30 seconds to let any extra kernels continue popping.
Finally, remove the air fryer basket and transfer the popcorn to a large mixing bowl. Toss with salt and any flavorings you enjoy, and serve immediately.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Line properly. Only cover the base of the basket with tin foil, NOT the entire basket. The vents/air holes help with popping the kernels.
- Don’t overcrowd. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket with kernels, as this can burn the air fryer’s hinges. If you’d like to make a larger portion of popcorn, prepare it in batches.
- Add flavorings and oil after. Don’t add any flavorings or oil to the kernels before popping. This can and must be done after they have been popped; otherwise, the kernels won’t pop properly.
- Check early. Air fryers vary in power, so check on the popcorn a minute or two before the timer ends. If you notice any burning smell, stop early. I tested this in my Philips XXL air fryer and my Cosori Air Fryer, and both took exactly 8 minutes.
- Stop kernels flying. I like to shape the foil into a loose bowl or place a rack on top of the kernels to stop them from flying up into the heating element once they pop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do not add salt or seasonings to the unpopped kernels. Only add it once the popcorn is cooked; otherwise, it can interfere with the air frying process.
No, it is not recommended to add pre-flavored and oiled microwave popcorn packets to the air fryer. It will burn the popcorn and leave many kernels unpopped.
You can, but foil works better for popcorn. Parchment can block airflow, which results in fewer kernels popping. If you do use parchment, make sure it’s weighed down by kernels before switching the air fryer on.
This usually comes down to two things- overcrowding the basket, or your air fryer running hotter than others. Make sure kernels are in a single layer and check on them a minute or two before the timer ends.
Air Fryer Popcorn
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1 teaspoon salt to serve * See notes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 200C/400F for 5 minutes.
- Line the base of the air fryer basket with tin foil. I like to shape it into a bowl shape. Place the popcorn kernels in a single layer on top of it.
- Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Let the popcorn sit in the air fryer for a further 30 seconds, to allow excess popping.
- Remove the air fryer basket and place the popcorn into a mixing bowl. Toss with salt and your favorite seasonings and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Flavor ideas
While this popcorn tastes delicious on its own, here are some flavor ideas for some fun and variety!
Spicy– Drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over the popcorn.
Butter– Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a bowl and whisk together. Transfer it into a food spritzer bottle and spray over the salted popcorn.
White cheddar– Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray, then toss with popcorn cheese flavoring or nutritional yeast.
Kettle corn– Spritz the popcorn with cooking spray and toss with 2 tablespoons of any granulated sweetener (sugar or sugar substitute) and salt.
Chocolate chip– Toss through 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips.
I have a Ninja Crispi, would this recipe work for that machine?
I haven’t used one of those Cosette- but I did some research and it and you should be able to- I’d add the toilfoil to the base and shape it like a bowl to prevent the kernels from flicking everywhere.
Can I use a silicone mould instead of foil
Yes, that would work, especially if it has high sides.